A thief who stole copper piping from a house was given a chance by magistrates to get off drugs.
The Burnley bench had been told how Brian Thompson, 30, knew the occupant had vacated the premises as he used to babysit for her.
The defendant, of Herbert Street, Burnley, admitted burglary on April 18.
He was given a six-month community order with supervision, 40 hours unpaid work and must pay £60 costs.
The justices told him it was an opportunity to stop taking drugs and to get on with a drug-free life.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article